Pile driving template



Feb. 22, 1966 A, TQKOLA 3,236,055

PILE DRIVING TEMPLATE Filed Jan. 51, 1963 3 Sheets-Sheet l Fig. 2

IIN

INVENTOR.

Alpo J. Tokola Attorneys Feb. 22, 1966 A. J. ToKoLA PILE DRIVINGTEMPLATE 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 3l, 1965 INVENTOR.

Alpo J. Tokola M 69%.@

Attorneys Feb. 22, 1966 A. J. ToKoLA PILE DRIVING TEMPLATE 5Sheets-Sheet Z Filed Jan. 31. 1963 INVENTOR.

Alpo J. Toko/a M Attorneys I. BY

United States Patent O 3,236,055 PILE DRIVING TER/@LATE Alpo J. Tokola,Lafayette, Calif., assigner, by mesne assignments, to Peter Kiewit Sons,Co., Omaha, Nebr., a corporation of Nebraska Filed Jan. 31, 1963, Ser.No. 255,274 13 Claims. (Cl. 61-63) This invention relates to a piledriving template and more particularly to a pile driving template whichfacilitates accurate driving of piles.

In driving of piles, there is normally a requirement that the piles bepositioned as accurately as possible. In the positioning of piles fordriving them into a formation which is under water, there isconsiderable diiculty in properly positioning `such piles andmaintaining their position during driving of same. In addition, there isconsiderable difficulty in obtaining a high rate of production indriving piles into underwater formation. There is, therefore, need for anew and improved apparatus for the driving of piles.

In general, it is an object of the present invention to provide a piledriving template which facilitates the driving of piles.

Another object of this invention is to provide a pile driving templateof the above character which particularly facilitates the driving ofpiles into underwater formations.

Another object of the invention is to provide a template of the abovegeneral character which greatly increases the accuracy of driving pilesinto underwater formations.

Another object of the invention is to provide a template of the abovecharacter in which a plu-rality of piles can be driven before thetemplate must be shifted.

Another object of the invention is to provide a template of the abovecharacter which can be precisely located.

Another object of the invention is to provide a template of the abovecharacter in which the template is located by using previously drivenpiles or pre-existing structures.

Another object of the invention is to provide a ternplate of the abovecharacter which can be readily removed after the piles have been driven.

Another object of the invention is to provide a template of the abovecharacter in which the position of the pile-locating collars can beshifted relative to the framework of the template.

Additional objects and features of the invention will appear from thefollowing description in which the preferred embodiment is set forth indetail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Referring to the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a top plan view of a pile driving template incorporating rnyinvention.

FIGURE 2 is a top plan view of the template shown in FIGURE 1 withoutthe catwalks and showing the positioning of the pile driving templateutilizing a pre-existing trestle.

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged view of the lower right-hand portion of thetemplate shown in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 4 4 of FIGURE 3.

FIGURE 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 5 5 of FIGURE 4.

FIGURE 6 is a cross-sectional View taken along the line 6 6 of FIGURE 3.

FIGURE 7 is a cross-sectional View taken along the line 7 7 of FIGURE 6.

FIGURE 8 is an enlarged detail view of a portion of the pile drivingtemplate shown in FIGURE 3.

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FIGURE 9 is a side elevational View looking along the line 9 9 of FIGURE8.

.In general, my pile template consists of a framework Witha plurality ofsplit collars mounted in predetermined POSIUOHS 0n the framework. Thesplit collars are movable between open and closed positions and areformed in at least two sections. Means is provided for shifting theposition of at least one of the sections at each of the split collars to`facilitate opening of the split collars to release the frame from thepiles. Means is also provided for retaining the sections in closedposition to retain the piles placed in the collars and guide the pilesas the piles are being driven.

As shown in the drawings, my pile template consists of a floating frame11 which is formed of a suitable material which will iioat in water. Forexample, as shown in the drawings, the frame can be formed of alongitudinal pipe section 12 which extends the length of the frame andtwo pairs of spaced, parallel, laterally extending pipe sections 13which are secured to the end portions of the longitudinal frame memberby suitable means such as welding. An additional pair of spaced,parallel, laterally extending pipe sections 14 are secured to thelongitudinal pipe member 12 between the pairs of the pipe sections 13.It will be noted that the pipe sections 13 are of a length which issubstantially greater than the pipe sections 14 for a purposehereinafter described. Also, it will be noted that the ends of the pairsof pipe sections 13 and 14 re-mote from the pipe sections 12 are open toprovide egress openings for a purpose hereinafter described.

Diagonally extending pipe sections 16 extend between the longitudinalpipe section 12 and the pipe section 14 and serve as braces. Additionallongitudinally extending pipe sections 17 are connected between the pipesections 13 and 14 and also serve as braces. Exposed ends of the pipesections 13 and 14 are closed with end closures 18 to provide sealedcontainers into which water cannot enter.

A plurality of the split collar assemblies 21 are mounted on theframework 11 in predetermined adjustable positions. Each of the splitcollar assemblies consists of a U-shaped -outer frame 22 which is formedof a suitable material such as I-beams. The frames 22 are secured to thepipe sections 13 and 14 in a suitable manner such as by means ofbr-ackets 23 welded to the pipe sections and to the frames. Pairs ofU-s'haped outer frames 22 are secured to the laterally extending pipesections 13 and 14 so that their open ends are spaced apart and open ina direction which is at right angles to the longitudinal axes of thepipe sections 13 and 14 and so that the open ends of each pair face eachother.

Each of a pair of the split collar assemblies 21 also includes U-shapedinner iframes 24 which are formed of a suitable material such aschannels and which are dimensioned so that they fit within the U-shapedchannels formed in the outer frames 22. This permits the inner frames 24to be shifted or moved in and out of the outer frames 22. Semicircularcollar sections 26 are secured to the ends of the inner frame members 24and are positioned so that the collar sections are adapted to lbe movedinto a closed position in which a split circular collar is formed andinto an open or spaced apart position to permit the template to bereleased from the piles as hereinafter described.

Means are provided for moving at least one of the collar sections withits associated inner frame to open and close the split collar. Itconsists of a nut 27 which is mounted on a transverse portion of theU-shaped inner iframe. A screw 28 is threaded through the nut and isrotatably mounted in a bearing 29 carried by a transverse portion of oneof the outer frames 22. A hand wheel 31 is mounted on the screw and isprovided for rotating the screw, It is readily apparent that by rotatingthe hand wheel in opposite directions, one of the inner frames 24 canlbe moved toward and away from the other inner frame. The other innerframe, if desired, may also be provided with suitable. means forpositively opening and closing the same. However, I have found the otherinner frame can be readily moved between the open and closed positions-by hand.

When both of the collar sections 26 have been moved to the closedposition, ange portions 26a provided on opposite -sides of both collarsections can be fastened togetherv by suitable releasable means such asbolts 32. When both of the collar sections are tied together in thismanner, it can be readily seen that the split collar comprised of bothsections will be moved in one direction or the other as the hand Wheel31 is rotated in oppositel directions.

Each of the collar sections is provided with an upwardly and outwardlyturned flange portion 26C which facilitates guiding the 'butt or lowerend of the pile into the collar section as the pile is being lowered.

It lwill be noted that a plurality of split collar assemblies 21 havebeen provided on each pair of the pipe sections 13 and 14. In thearrangement shown, three such split collar assemblies have been providedon each pair of pipe sections and these have been positioned so thatthey are aligned to provide longitudinally and laterally. extending rowsof split collar assemblies. It is, however, readily apparent that ifrequired, there can be any desired arrangement of the collar assemblies.

Suitable means are provided for positioning the pile driving template sothat piles placed in the template will be properly positioned. Suchmeans can take various forms as, for example, as shown in the drawingwhere a pre-existing trestle or bridge structure 36 is available, it ispossible to .utilize the piers which Asupport the preexisting bridge ortrestle for positioning and locating the pile driving template. In thepre-existing bridge structure 36 shown in FIGURE 2 of the drawings, the'bridge structure is provided with supporting piers 37 which arerectangular in cross-section. In the pile driving template shown in thedrawings, the template has been designed so that it can be positioned byutilizing the piers 37 of the pre-existing trestle or bridge structure36.

The pile template positioning means consists of a rectangular frame 41formed of a suitable material such as channels and is supported upon thepipe sections 13 in a position so that its longitudinal axis extends ina direction which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipesections 13. The frame 41 is mounted upon the pipe sections 13 bychannel sections 42. A pair of outer U- shaped frames 43 :formed ofsuitable material such as I- `beams are mounted on the frame 41 formovement longitudinally of the frame. Each frame 43, as shown in FIG-URE 9, is secured to a pair of I-beam sections `44 which receiveopposite sides of the frame 41. An inner U- shaped frame 46 is mountedin each of the outer frames 43 and is adapted to be moved in and out ofthe outer U-shaped frames in much the same manner as in the split collarassemblies 21. The openings in the pairs of associated outer U-shapedmembers 43 face each other. The same is true 'of the openings in theinner U-shaped frames 46. U-shaped collar sections 47 are mounted on theinner U-shaped frames and adapted to :be moved between open and closed,or pier disengaging and pier engaging positions. In the presentembodiment, the collar sections are U-shaped 'because of the rectangularcross-section of the piers 37.

Means are provided for moving at least one of the inner U-shaped frames46 longitudinally of the outer U-shaped frames 43 and consists of a nut51 which is mounted in a transverse portion of the inner U-shaped frame46. A screw 52 is threaded into the nut 51 and is rotatably journalledin a bearing 53, A hand wheel 54 is provided for turning the kscrew .52e

Suitable means are provided for clamping the two UfI shaped collarsections 47 together so that they can be: moved in unison by the handwheel 54 and consists of flanges 47a provided on the section 47 whichare releasably secured together by bolts 55.

It can fbe seen that theihand wheel 54 can -be utilized for moving thesplit collar sections 47 in a direction which is at right angles to thelongitudinal axis ofthe pipe sections 14. Means are also provided forshifting the collar sections 47 in a direction parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the pipe sections 13 and consists of a pair of nuts53 which are mounted in one of the I-beam sections 44. A screw 59 isthreaded through the nuts and has one end journalled in a bearing 61secured to the frame 41. 'lhe other end of the screw is also journalledin a bearing.f (not shown). A bevel gear 61 is anixed to one end of thescrew' 59 and is driven by another bevel gear 63 The; bevel gear 63 isaiiixed to a vertically extending shaft 64 which rises through Ia collar66 secured to the frame 4i.- 'h shaft 64 is journalled a :bearing 67 andis adapted to be rotated by hand wheel 68. By rotating the hand wheel 68in opposite directions, the U-shaped collar section 47 can be shifted ina direction which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipesections 14.

If desired, additional means can also be provided for stabilizing theposition of the pile driving template. For example, as shown in thedrawings, a swinging guide' anni 71 can be provided which is pivotallymounted on the frame 11 at 72. A hook-shaped member 73 is mounted on theend of the arm and is adapted to engage a pile 76 which already has beendriven to the required set.

Wooden catwalks 78 have been provided on the upper portion of thefloating frame 1l1 so that the operator can have ready access to all ofthe collar' assemblies and the hand wheel to permit rapid opening andclosing of the collar assemblies. Let it be assumed that it is desiredto drive piles into an underwater formation and that the pile drivingtemplate is already floating in the water. Also, let it be assumed, asshown in FIGURE 2`-that it is desired to drive piles adjacent topreexisting `bridge 0r Itrestle so that the bridge or trestle can beutilized for pdsitioning of the pile driving template. When such is thecase, the hand wheels 54 are yoperated to move the LP shaped collarsections 47 to an open position. The pile driving template is thenshifted into the desired position by moving it sideways so that theexisting piers 37 pass between the pairs of pipe setcions 14 and enterbetween the open U-shaped collar sections 47. The collar sections 37.are then closed about the piles 37 by operation of the hand wheel 54.As h-ereinbefore described, one of `the inner frames 46 is moved by thehand wheel, whereas the other is moved manually. The two frames are thenclamped together by the bolts y55. After the piers 37 are engaged, thepile driving template is precisely positioned by operating the handwheels 54 and 68. The hand wheels `54 are provided for shifting the piledriving template longitudinally, whereas the hand wheels 68 are providedfor shifting the pile driving template laterally into its desiredposition.

In orde-r to more properly stabilize the pile driving teinplate, it maybe desired to' provide additional guide points -or positioning pointsfor .the template. F or example, the guide Iarm 71 can be swung out andmoved into engagement with a pile 76 which has already been driven.

After the pile driving template is in place, the piles can be readilylowered into the split collars formed by the collar sections 26 .by theuse of a floating crane or other suitable apparatus. The piles can beplaced in the split collars one by one until all the collars are filled.As; soon as this has been accomplished, the piles can be driveni in Ianydesired order to the required set, lDuring driving of the piles, thenuts 27 and the screws 28` will retain the;

split collars in the desired position. The split U-shapedil collarsengaging the piers 37 will also retainthe pile tem? plate in the properposition because of the screws 52 and the worms 51.

After all the piles have been driven (as, for example, all 12 piles inthe pile driving template shown in the drawing), the pile drivingtemplate is ready to be shifted to the next location. The bolts 32 inthe split collars are removed and the hand wheels are operated to openthe collar sections. The U-shaped collar sections engaging the piers 37are also opened. As soon as all the collar sections have been opened,the entire pile driving template can be moved out sideways from thepiles which have been driven with the piles passing through .the egressopenings between the frame members 13 and 14. Thus, the pile drivingtemplate can be shifted to the left as viewed in FIGURE 2 and as shownin broken lines in FIGURE 2 into a position in which the next four rowsof piles can be driven. The same sequence `of operations is then.repeated until all the piles have been driven.

After all the piles have been driven along the preexisting bridgestructure, the pre-existing bridge structure can then be removed andadditional rows of piles can be driven in the locations previouslyoccupied by the pre-existing bridge by utilizing the piles which hadbeen previously driven. To do Ithis, it is Ionly necessary to change theU-shaped collar portions 47 into semi-circular sections which would bemore adapted to engage the cyiindrical piles 76 previously driven.

If there is no pre-existing structure, it is still possible to utilizemy pile driving template very effectively. For example, the pile drivingtemplate can be anchored and properly positioned by irst driving specialpiles. Thereafter, the last row of piles could be driven in each set andcan be used for properly positioning the pile driving template by havingthe first row of collars fit over the last row of piles driven. Pilescan then be placed in the three remaining rows of split collars in thepile driving template.

It is apparent from the foregoing that I have provided a new andimproved pile driving template which greatly facilitates the accuratepositioning of the piles and which also facilitates relatively high piledriving production.

I claim:

1. In a pile driving template, a longitudinal frame member, at least onepair of spaced parallel frame members secured to the longitudinal framemember and extending laterally therefrom, said pair of frame membersdening an egress opening at the end away from said longitudinal framemember, la pulrality of split collar assemblies mounted between themembers of the spaced parallel pair of frame members, each of the splitcollar assemblies being formed in at least two parts, one of the partsbeing connected to one of the pair of frame members, the other partbeing connected to the other of said pair of frame members, meansmounted on the frame members operatively connected to the split collarassemblies for shifting the position of the split collar assembliesrelative to the frame members to determine the precise position of thepiles to be driven therethrough.

2. In -a pile driving template, a framework defining a plurality ofspaced parallel slots extending from a free side thereof and providingegress openings at said side for withdrawing said framework from rows ofdriven piles, a plurality of split collar assemblies mounted on saidframework and being disposed in vertical alignment with said slots, atleast one of said slots having a plurality of split collar assembliestherealong, each of the split collar assemblies being formed of at leasttwo parts one of said parts being mounted to the framework on one sideof the slot and the other part being mounted to the framework on theother side of the slot, said parts -being movable between open andclosed positions with respect to each other so that in closed position apile receiving opening is formed and in open position a space isprovided between the parts, said collar assemblies in open positionspermitting the template to be moved in a direction to cler pilespreviously driven through the collar assemblies and to permit the pilesto pass along the slots and out of theA egress openings.

3. In a pile driving template for driving piles in an underwaterformation, a framework floating on the water, the frame work including aplurality of spaced parallel members arranged in pairs and each formingan elongate slot and an egress opening lat one end thereof, and aplurality of split collar assemblies mounted on said framework and beingdisposed between the members of each pair of parallel members, at leastone of said pairs of parallel members having a plurality of split collarassemblies positioned therealong, each of the split collar assembliesbeing formed of at least two parts, one of said parts being mounted tothe framework on one of said members of the pair of parallel members,the other part being mounted to the framework on the other member of thepair of members, the two parts being movable between open and closedpositions wit-h respect to each other so that in a closed position apile receiving opening is formed and in an open position a space isprovided between the parts, said collar assemblies in open positionpermitting the template to be moved in a direction to clear piles driventhrough the collar 4assemblies and to permit the piles to pass throughthe spaces between the parts and the egress openings.

4. A template as in claim 3 together with adjustable means operativelyconnected to the template for precisely positioning the template.

5. A template as in claim 3 together with adjustable means operativelyconnected to the template for precisely positioning the template, andmeans for precisely positioning the template, including split collarsmovable between open and closed positions, and means connected to saidsplit collars for shifting the last named split collars in directionsperpendicular to and parallel to the spaced parallel members.

6. In a pile driving template, a longitudinal frame member, a pluralityof spaced parallel pairs of frame members secured to the longitudinalframe member and extending laterally therefrom and forming elongateslots with egress openings, a plurality of split collar assembliesdisposed in registry with the slots and means mounted on the laterallyextending frame members for shifting the position of the split collarassemblies to determine the precise position of the piles to be driventhrough, each of said split collar assemblies consisting of a pair ofouter U-shaped frames one of said pair of outer U-shaped frames iixed toone of the pair of frame members, the other of said pair of outerU-shaped frames fixed to the other of said pair of frame members, a pairof inner U-shaped frames movably mounted in the outer U-shaped frames,and a collar section secured to each of the inner U-shaped frames, thecollar sections facing each other, the inner U-shaped frames beingmovable in the outer U-shaped frames to permit the movement of thecollar sections between open and closed positions in an area betweenlaterally extending members.

7. A template as in claim 6 together with clamping means operativelyconnected to the collar sections for securing the two collar sectionsinto a unitary assembly, and means operatively connected to the assemblyfor shifting the position of the unitary assembly.

8. A template as in claim 6 together with means operatively connected tothe template for precisely positioning the template.

9. A template as in claim 6 wherein the collar sections on each pair oflaterally extending frame members are in alignment so that when thecollar sections are open, the template may be moved away from the pilesin a sideways direction to clear the piles which have been driven.

10. In a pile driving template for driving a set of piles inpredetermined rows, a framework including a plurality of pairs ofmembers supported in spaced parallel relation to form elongated slotswith egresses for rows of driven piles, a plurality of split collarassemblies and means. for mounting the split collar assemblies on theframework so that they are disposed in registry with the slots,

the split collar assemblies being formed in at least two sections, oneof said sections being connected to Vthel framework on lone side of theslot, the'other section being: connected to the framework on the otherside of said slot, said means for mounting the split collar assembliesincluding means for shifting the position of at least one of thesections of each split collar assembly with respect to the other sectionto move the collar assembly into open and closed positions, the collarassembly in a closed position forming a pile receiving opening and in anopen position forming a space between the sections so that the templatecan be moved to clear the piles.

11. In a pile driving template for driving a set of piles inpredetermined rows, a framework including a longitudinal support memberand a plurality of pairs of members supported in spaced parallelrelationship and extending laterally away from said longitudinal supportmember to form a plurality of spaced parallel slots, said pairs ofparallel members open at the ends remote from said longitudinal memberto form a plurality of egresses permitting the template to ybe sidewisewithdrawn from the rows of driven piles, a plurality of split collarassemblies and means for mounting the split collar assemblies on theframeworks so that they are disposed registery with the slots, the splitcollar assemblies being formed in at least two sections, one of saidsections being connected to the framework on one side of the slot, andthe other section being connected to the framework on the other side ofthe slot, said means for mounting the split collar assemblies includingmeans for shifting the position of at least one of the sections of eachsplit collar assembly with respect to the other section to move thecollar assembly into open and closed positions, the collar assemblyforming in the closed position a pile receiving opening and the openposition forming a space between the sections so that the template canbe moved to clear the pile.

12. In a pile driving template for driving a set of piles inpredetermined rows, a framework including a plurality of pairs ofmembers supported in spaced parallel relation to form a plurality ofelongated slots, said pairs of members open at one end to form an egressfor a row of driven piles, a plurality of split collar assembliesdisposed in registry with the slots, means mounted on the laterallyextending frame members for shifting the position of the split lcollarassemblies to determine the precise position of the piles to 'be `driventhrough, each of said split collar assemblies `consisting of a pair ofouter U-shaped frames one of said pair of outer U-shaped frames fixed toone of the pair of framemembers, the other of saidY pair of outerU-shaped frames ixed to the otherof said pair of frame members, a pairoffinner U-shaped frames movably-mounted in the outer U-'shaped frames,gand a collar section secured to each of the inner U-shaped frames, thecollar sections facing each other, the inner U-shaped frames beingmovable in the outer- U-shaped frames to permit the movement ofthecollar sections between open and closed positions in an area betweenlaterally extending members.v

13. In a pile driving template a framework having a plurality of spacedparallel slots extending from a free side thereof and providing Aanegress opening at said side for withdrawingtsaid framework from a set ofdriven piles, a plurality of split collar assemblies mounted on saidframework and being disposedin vertical alignment with said slots eachof the'Y split collar assemblies being formed of at least two partsmovable between open and closed ipositions with respect to each other sothat in closed position a pile receiving opening-is formed and in openposition la space is provided betweenthe-parts permitting the templateto be -moved in a direction to clear the piles previously drivenVthrough the collar assemblies and. toy permit the .piles to vpass alongthe slots and out of the egress opening when the collar assemblies arein the open position, each of said split collar assemblies consisting ofa pair of outer U-shaped-frames, one of said `outer U-shaped frames xedto the framework adjacent one side of said slots, the othery of saidU-shaped frames fixed to theframework adjacent the otherside of saidslots,'a pair of inner U-shaped frames movably mounted in the outerU-shaped frames, and a collar section secured to each of the innerU-shaped frames, the collar sections facing each other, the innerU-shaped frame is being movable in the outer U-shaped frames to permitthe movement of the'collarlsection between'the open and the closedpositions in the area defined by the slots.

References Cited by the Examner Y UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,651,181 9/1953Alcorn et al. 61-63 2,8913 14 6/1959 Hornsby et al. 61--46.5 3,107,49610/ 1963 Suderow 61-46.5

CHARLES E. OCONNELL, Primary Examiner.

JACOB SHAPIRO, EARL I. WITMER, Examiners.

1. IN A PILE DRIVING TEMPLATE, A LONGITUDINAL FRAME MEMBER, AT LEAST ONEPAIR OF SPACED PARALLEL FRAME MEMBERS SECURED TO THE LONGITUDINAL FRAMEMEMBER AND EXTENDING LATERALLY THEREFROM, SAID PAIR OF FRAME MEMBERSDEFINING AN EGRESS OPENING AT THE END AWAY FROM SAID LONGITUDINAL FRAMEMEMBER, A PLURALITY OF SPLIT COLLAR ASSEMBLIES MOUNTED BETWEEN THEMEMBERS OF THE SPACED PARALLEL PAIR OF FRAME MEMBERS, EACH OF THE SPLITCOLLAR ASSEMBLIES BEING FORMED IN AT LEAST TWO PARTS, ONE OF THE PARTSBEING CONNECTED TO ONE OF THE PAIR OF FRAME MEMBERS, THE OTHER PARTBEING CONNECTED TO THE OTHER OF SAID PAIR OF FRAME MEMBERS, MEANSMOUNTED ON THE FRAME MEMBERS OPERATIVELY CONNECTED TO THE SPLIT COLLARASSEMBLIES FOR SHIFTING THE POSITION OF THE SPLIT COLLAR ASSEMBLIESRELATIVE TO THE FRAME MEMBERS TO DETERMINE THE PRECISE POSITION OF THEPILES TO BE DRIVEN THERETHROUGH.